Maryanne, 45, and Tommy Pilling, 59, were thought to be the first couple with Down’s syndrome to tie the knot in 1995 but were hit by a wave of criticism,

The pair had dated for around 18 months before Tommy popped the question and the couple went on to tie the knot at St Mary’s Church in Shoeburyness, Essex, in July 1995.

But they faced criticism from people who said those with learning difficulties wouldn’t be able to get married, let alone maintain one.

Yet now, 27 years later, Maryanne and Tommy are still going strong and a Facebook page, set up by Maryanne’s sister, Lindi Newman, which follows the couple’s romance, has racked up thousands of followers.

The couple married at St Mary’s Church in Shoeburyness, Essex, in July 1995. (Picture: Google Maps)

Lindi said: ‘The day Maryanne met Tommy she came home with the biggest smile on her face. She couldn’t stop talking about him and asked if he could come for dinner.